Facility Details - DIFFICULT CAMPGROUND GRP SITE, CO

Overview

Located 5 miles southeast of Aspen, Colorado, Difficult Campground sits on the banks of the Roaring Fork River on the western slope of the Colorado Rockies.

Campsites are nestled in a mixed forest of aspen, cottonwood, pine, fir, scrub oak, and spruce, and several are at the river's edge, offering an ideal setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation.

Natural Features:

In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is a place of serenity and adventure, boasting 8 wilderness areas, 4 defined seasons, and 10 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation.

Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges and bull elk bugle at dusk. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.

The Roaring Fork River flows by the campground, a tributary of the mighty Colorado. Deep, swift and clear, the Roaring Fork rises in the Sawatch Range on the west side of the Continental Divide and drains an area of the Colorado Western Slope called the Roaring Fork Valley.

Recreation:

Renowned for its fly fishing, the Roaring Fork River sustains populations of large rainbow, brown, cutthroat and brook trout. The nearby peaks and soothing sounds from the river offer anglers a perfect backdrop for an afternoon of fishing.

Whitewater adventure seekers may want to raft portions of the Roaring Fork, as it is navigable by small craft throughout most of its length to its confluence with the Colorado.

Hikers can access trails near the campground.

Facilities:

Difficult Campground has 48 standard sites, including a group site.

It is important to note that vehicles over 35 feet in length are prohibited over Independence Pass but can access the campground via Aspen.

The campground is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water. Electrical hook-ups are not available. Firewood is available for sale at the site.

Campground radius turns are tight for large RVs, and brush encroaches on roadways and spurs.

Nearby Attractions:

The nearby town of Aspen is a popular destination for visitors to the area. From downhill skiing and world-class fly fishing, to dining and resorts, there is a multitude of outdoor and indoor opportunites in this mountain town.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Birding Campfire Rings Drinking Water Firewood Fishing Food Storage Locker Group Camping Hiking Host	Parking Area Picnic Area River Access Trails Trash Collection Vault Toilets Water Spigot Wildlife Viewing

Know Before You Go

This facility is operated by White River Recreation, a division of California Land Management and your comments are appreciated; comment forms are available from campground hosts or on CLM's website.
Several campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis
7 day stay limit at this campground
Please note that vehicles over 35 feet in length are prohibited over Independence Pass but can access the campground via Aspen
Prevent the spread of invasive species by inspecting and cleaning packs, equipment, and tires before using lake or trails
In accordance with standard industry practices, there will be a $5 additional vehicle fee on the second vehicle in each single family campsite, and on the third and fourth vehicles in any double family campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined to the first vehicle by a hitch and towed onto the site. In the case of motorcycles, the first two are considered as 1 vehicle for determining additional vehicle fees. The third and fourth motorcycle would also be considered as 1 vehicle. No additional vehicle fees are collected for bicycles.
Click here for more information about White River National Forest.

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
39.14167, -106.77083
39°8'30"N, 106°46'15"W

Take Highway 82 for 5 miles southeast of Aspen, Colorado. Look for USFS Difficult Campground sign on the right, past Mile Marker 45.